Motion Editor (All Levels) - ILM London
The Walt Disney Company · London, England, United Kingdom
- On site
- Full-time
- $90,000 / year
- London, England, United Kingdom
Job highlights
- Edit and retarget motion-capture performances for film VFX.
- Create fluid transitions and enhance character realism.
- Collaborate with a team to meet high-quality standards.
- Utilize MotionBuilder, Blender, Maya, and other tools.
- Opportunities available for all experience levels.
About the role
Motion Editor (All Levels)
ILM London is looking for Motion Editors (all levels) to join our team based in our Lacon House studio. The Motion Editor's main responsibility will be to retarget and edit the body motion of realistic motion-capture-based performances in a non-destructive way. We also seek candidates who have a good eye and an understanding of motion blending to create fluid, believable transitions. The work will focus predominantly on humans, props and bipedal characters, extending to quadrupeds when required. The ideal person for this role thrives in a collaborative environment and consistently strives to deliver animations to high-quality standards.
We are offering various contract lengths with opportunities commencing from Summer 2026.
What You’ll Do
- Transfer motion from one hierarchy to another (retargeting) independently and proficiently.
- Subtly enhance the nuances of a performance while maintaining its original intent, delivering seamless, high-quality results without compromising the source data.
- Adjust interaction and contacts between characters, props, the environment, and terrain.
- Improve the performance by adding fingers, toe, and tail animation, as well as making body adjustments that enhance posture, gesture, and weight.
- Blend motions to create fluid, believable transitions between distinct animation clips.
- For senior-level roles, support and mentor more junior members of the team, troubleshoot, teach techniques, and push the quality and standard.
What We’re Looking For
- Proven experience in the high end film VFX or video game industry, along with an up-to-date showreel.
- Previous background and experience using MotionBuilder, Blender, Nuance, and/or Maya with motion-captured performances.
- An understanding of retargeting techniques and the principles of animation.
- Sharp eyes for motion, timing, and posture.
- A proactive approach to problem solving, with a keen eye to catch, analyze, and identify technical issues.
- Attention to detail and communication skills, coupled with excellent collaborative skills.
- An eagerness to learn and develop.
- A background in using Linux and Vicon Shogun Post is a plus.
As part of your application please submit a demo reel, shot breakdown, or equivalent showcasing your work. A current resume is required.
Key skills/competency
- Motion Editing
- Retargeting
- Animation Blending
- Motion Capture
- VFX
- Video Games
- Maya
- Blender
- MotionBuilder
- Linux
Skills & topics
- Motion Editor
- Motion Graphics
- Animation
- VFX
- Film
- Video Games
- Motion Capture
- Retargeting
- Maya
- Blender
How to get hired
- Tailor your resume: Highlight motion editing, retargeting, and animation blending experience, mentioning specific software like MotionBuilder, Blender, or Maya.
- Showcase your skills: Submit a compelling demo reel or shot breakdown demonstrating your motion editing capabilities and understanding of animation principles.
- Research ILM London: Understand their work in film VFX and video games, and align your application with their quality standards and collaborative environment.
- Prepare for interviews: Be ready to discuss your problem-solving approach, attention to detail, and experience with motion-captured performances.
Technical preparation
Master Maya, Blender, and MotionBuilder.,Practice motion retargeting techniques.,Study animation principles and blending.,Build a strong, diverse showreel.
Behavioral questions
Describe a complex motion editing challenge.,How do you maintain performance intent?,How do you collaborate with animators?,Share an example of problem-solving.
Frequently asked questions
- What specific software proficiency is required for the Motion Editor role at ILM London?
- While experience with MotionBuilder, Blender, Nuance, and/or Maya for motion-captured performances is highly preferred, ILM London also values a strong understanding of retargeting techniques and animation principles. Demonstrating your ability to learn and adapt is also key.
- What is the work arrangement for the Motion Editor position at ILM London?
- This is a hybrid role. Employees are encouraged to work two days per week on-site at the Lacon House studio and can work occasionally from home.
- What kind of projects will a Motion Editor work on at ILM London?
- Motion Editors will work on realistic motion-capture-based performances, primarily focusing on humans, props, and bipedal characters, with potential for quadrupeds. The work involves retargeting, editing, and blending motion to create believable character actions for high-end film VFX.
- Is there an opportunity for career growth within this Motion Editor role?
- Yes, ILM London is hiring for all levels. For senior roles, there are opportunities to mentor junior team members, troubleshoot, teach techniques, and contribute to pushing the quality and standards of the animation team.
- What should I include with my Motion Editor application to ILM London?
- In addition to a current resume, you must submit a demo reel, shot breakdown, or equivalent that showcases your motion editing work and skills. This is crucial for demonstrating your capabilities.
- Does ILM London require specific experience in Linux or Vicon Shogun Post for the Motion Editor role?
- Experience with Linux and Vicon Shogun Post is considered a plus but not a strict requirement. The primary focus is on your core motion editing skills, animation principles, and proficiency with other key software.